I’m writing a couple days after the weeklong ride because Day 7 was just too hectic. We had dreamt so often about the comforts awaiting us at home, that when Day 7 finally arrived, the roadies and cyclists were all raring to reach the finish line in L.A.
But before we could peel out of Ventura, we were confronted by a looming mountain of tents forming in front of Truck Q. After everyone had finished loading their individual trucks, the Gear and Tent team headed over to Q to tackle the pile.
It was our teammate Alicia’s 23rd birthday, and while we chucked the muddy tents and poles into the truck, we shared a cute little group moment by singing “Happy Birthday” about a dozen times until the mountain disappeared before we knew it.
When we arrived in L.A., we wasted no time in hauling out the luggage for the very last time. While some of my teammates had to return the trucks to the rental company, I sat for an hour stunned by my newfound freedom. I didn’t know quite what to do with myself, but I knew one thing I DIDN’T want to do – lift another bag.
At closing ceremonies, the cyclists rode out and then the various teams of roadies followed them toward the front of the stage. The cyclists cheered us on and sprayed us with water from their water bottles – which apparently is their way of showing thanks.
Looking back on this event, I can say this is an experience like no other. For a week, I was part of a colorful family that was full of spirit and full of life. I didn’t learn all of my teammates’ names, but I always felt surrounded by friends. I enjoyed those that I met, helped others when they needed a hand and shared many laughs along the way.
Since I work from home all day in front of a computer, the Gear and Tent job was a total diversion from my usual routine, and it was refreshing to get physical with a job. Being a roadie was by no means a “vacation,” but it was a much-needed breath of fresh air from my normal day-to-day life.
I’m glad I had a chance to be part of this ride, not just because it shook up my daily routine, but hopefully because it stirs something inside of me. It’s so easy to become complacent with how things are that it takes a ride like this to realize how much work still needs to be done for people who have HIV and AIDS and for people who will continue to be affected by AIDS if we don’t get moving.
AIDS LifeCycle is more than just a really long bike ride; it is a call for us to grow stronger together and a call for us to never let go of hope.